The Opuntia is not a single plant but rather a very species-rich genus. The Opuntia plant genus includes around 190 species, some of which are very different, most of which are native to America (especially Mexico) and the Caribbean.
Some Opuntia species are very hardy
Depending on their natural habitat, the various species are hardy to different degrees. Some species need a cool winter quarters, others only a dry place in the frosty garden. Very few species tolerate cold continuous rain, but many Opuntia bear edible fruit and the leaves or segments of the plants are also considered food.
How should opuntias be cared for in winter?
The prickly pear is not one of the particularly frost-hardy varieties. It should overwinter in a cool quarter, ideally at temperatures between 0 °C and 6 °C. During this time it is not fertilized and only watered very sparingly.
The rabbit ear cactus can also spend the winter outside in a mild area. However, you should then protect its roots from too much cold by wrapping the planter with an old blanket or frost protection film. Twigs are a good protection especially for the young shoots. In the spring, remove the winter protection. Now is also the ideal time for propagation.
The Opuntia engelmannii is considered to be very tolerant of frost. After all, it survives temperatures below - 20 °C without damage. So he can spend the winter in the garden even in a rough area. It just needs to be sheltered from the rain. Water it "drop by drop" and only on frost-free days. More winter care is not necessary.
The essentials in brief:
- hardy depending on the species
- possibly plant in special soil for hardy cacti
- protect against moisture in continuous rain
- Overwinter prickly pear at 0 °C to 6 °C
- Opuntia engelmannii hardy to below - 20 °C
- Opuntia microdasys frost hardy to about - 8 °C
- Hybrids partially frost hardy to - 15 °C or - 20 °C
- Water drop by drop on frost-free days
tips
If you are looking for a cactus that can also spend the winter outside in a harsh area, then choose a frost-tolerant opuntia such as the Opuntia engelmannii.